BaldKen2

Yes I agree with most of those points. Different lighting can affect some Poor Quality smp work dramatically. And there are certain individual factors like skin tone, remaining hair, head shape, facial features like eyebrows that play a significant role. But fact is you really should not over-think and over-analyze the SMP approach. If done correctly it will look realistic and evenly toned in any lighting condition, assuming you groom properly and consistently. Some people over-analyze this thing to death and it is quite silly to make a simple TATTOO SESSION (NO it is not a procedure or medical treatment) into something much more. Honestly, if your information on SMP was gathered from forums, Smp Business Websites and directly from SMP business, or Los Angeles HT docs then your info is tainted with the spin of lies and partial truths that these places use for advertising in order to charge thousands for tattooing work worth $350-800 tops. If you really want to learn about cosmetic tattooing and hair replication tats then you have to log off of your computer and go out and meet some people in the tattooing industry (not SMP providers who provide ZERO details and facts). That is what I did. And if you meet enough practitioners and Micropigmentation artists then you will find many that will be straight with you and not feed you a load of crap. Most are very willing to educate you if you show an interest in their profession, but there are always some who just want to sell you something. Many men feel that if they just had hair or appearance of it that they would feel better about themselves. Fact is, if you are fat unattractive, unhealthy, lazy man then even with hair or smp you will still be that way. Physical and mental health is gained and maintained through HEALTH DIET and EXERCISE. I know hair loss can cause psychological issues, but I believe that in these cases these Psychological issues existed long before the individual lost his or her hair, and the hair loss was just the Catalyst that worsened their mental state.

To answer your question, Yes, SMP does look real. I had SMP several years ago and No One, Not One Person, has ever questioned whether I had tattooed dots on my head. To be fair I also have a good amount of coverage remaining so this makes it look more realistic. Most people tell me I should let my hair grow out b/c my shaved head looks like i would have very thick hair. That is the best case scenario with smp, that people think you choose to be bald but cud grow out your hair if you want to. That is just reality though, the majority of people you encounter will always prefer a person's appearance to have a head of hair rather than a bald or "shaved Head." The price that the smp places charge is OUTRAGEOUS! Range from 2800 to 4800 dollars, or 500-900 dollars an hour for services. All scalp micropigmentation really means is= Scalp Permanent Makeup. Do a Google Search for Permanent Makeup and see the alternative names for it, Micropigmentation. In fact, most smp places employ practitioners who are permanent makeup artists (usually the rejects from Perm Makeup Industry or Cosmetology Dropouts) whos experience is primarily eyebrows, lips, eyelids etc. There is a SMP business in Florida that was originally a tattoo parlor, and then actually a Permanent Makeup Clinic before they finally changed to strictly SMP (for more $$). Any Good Permanent Makeup, or Micropigmentation Artist can easily perform SMP. It is not a rare Skill Set to tattoo dots on the head, and the fact is most permanent makeup artists have far more cosmetic tattooing experience than these SMP clinics that are popping up everyday all over the place with no cosmetic tattooing resumes, just a good sales pitch. Google search "Tattoo Pointillism." Traditional Tattoo Artists using pointillism, tattoo tiny dots (anywhere on the body including the scalp) to form elaborate images and pieces of art. SMP clinics just tattoo random dots which is Easy and simple work for them. You say that Every SMP site you see says that you cannot tell the difference between their dots and real hair. LOL of course they say that. You cannot go by these web sites, they will claim anything and everything to get your money. SMP businesses will say that they use "special inks", "special needles", "special Machines." It is all BS. They are using the same or similar pigments and needles and equipment that every cosmetic tattoo and permanent makeup artist uses. Ask the SMP place specific questions regarding their Pigments and equipment and see how much information they give you. You will get no info b/c if they told you the truth that their equipment and pigments are no different than any other smp place or permanent makeup business, you would conclude that you can have this done at just about anywhere for a much much cheaper price. FUEonly mentioned that HIS hair is very expensive. This is true in the long run. Initially their price is very competitive w/ other providers, but they employ a method more similar to Temporary SMP, so it fades dramatically between 12-18 months (just read their forum and see the majority of members experience fading quickly). This forces the client to continue getting touchups for hundreds of dollars or pounds every year or so. My advice to you is do not believe any SMP ads or websites, and certainly do not take the advice of so- called "smp experts" or smp business reps that you meet on these forums. They are nothing more than sales reps or former Permanent Makeup Artists and Receptionists who made the move to SMP to get paid off of peoples ignorance.

Looks great Mikey79! Congrats on being the first guy I have encountered who was able to have this done for less than a Grand. I was wondering, what kind of artist did you go to? Was it someone who specializes in Scalp tattooing, or was she a permanent makeup artist? I am just curious b/c I am considering going to a woman who specializes in permanent makeup to enhance some scalp work Ive had in the past.

"wow that looks really terrific, thank you for posting!" LOL these threads are hallarious

The only thing that matters with this TEMPORARY fix, is what it will look like in 10-12 months after the procedure-After it fades which it inevitably will. I'd love to see some photos of the one year mark post procedure!

Can you please post pics at the 10-12 month post-procedure mark, so we can see how and if it holds up?

Yea, Photoshop, lighting, Misleading angles really do wonders dont they? I still don't think those photos look very good anyway. The ONLY possible way to see the "brilliance" or fakeness of these peoples work is to see in person. Pics are Misleading!

It looks great now, but how long will the darkness and sharpness last before it fades? How much does this cost, and how long before it fades completely? And if you continue to tattoo over the same area, even at a shallow depth, won't that produce scar tissue? Has anyone actually found a PERMANENT solution that works or is this it?

So just an update, I am most likely going to my tattoo artist for a touch up. Could be risky but since its just darkening some areas rather than entire scalp, I should be fine. I need more Pigment "density" to pull off the buzz cut rather than just shaving with a zero- that's my goal and I know from experience when the scalp is darker you can get away with longer hair (of course many factors involved such as skin tone, hair color, etc). I promise to report back with photos showing each stage of my process and hopefully it works out and I can help others who are still searching.

Wylie, congrats on your sessions, I hope it all works out. Is the scar at least permanent? Anyone know anyone who has had this done several times over the course of 5-7 years? My concern would be the effect repeated sessions over the same area of the scalp over the course of say 10-15 years, bc this is a never ending process. I guess we won't know for sure until that time comes. I believe there is plenty of truth to the article i posted, but if it works for you, and u are happy with the results, who am I to say this isn't a good option? Best wishes for your second session mate! I hope you come out looking like a rock star, cheers mate!

I agree on the maintenance issue, but a touch up is far different than having to start from scratch each time it fades. And any Dermatologist will tell you that repeated attempts at this temp tattoo will be devastating to your scalp. I know a man who had the permanent SMP 11 years ago, has only had 2 touchups, and it looks MAGNIFICENT! No blue at all; get plenty of sun and you'll have a blue head. Take care of your investment and it will stand the test of time. I found an interesting article at Myth: Semi-Permanent Tattoos that Last 6 Months - 6 Years and Fade Away On Their Own that addresses the myths of this "temporary tattoo" movement: Truth or Myth: Semi-permanent tattoos that fade away and disapear on their own I’m guessing you’ve probably heard of the “semi-permanent” tattoo – the one that only lasts 6 months. Or was that 6 years? No one seems to know, because it can’t be done. However, the rumors are real – there are even some tattooers claiming they can do it – some of them say the tattoo will last six months to a year. Some say 3 to 5 years. The 3-5 year ones are actually smarter - I mean, who's going to even be able to find them in 3-5 years to tell them they were wrong? Why do people want a semi-permanent tattoo anyway? Why is this idea so popular? Because they don’t like commitment! Over 40% of American marriages end in divorce – and sometimes you have to live with a tattoo longer than your spouse! So, it is easy to see why the idea of a tattoo with a short commitment would be appealing to many. Change your mind? No problem! In a few months it’ll be gone anyway! NOT! The fact is, when you insert tattoo ink under the skin, it's there to stay. It may fade over time, but it won't just disappear. There is no magical ink that fades completely away after a predetermined length of time. Some of them will say that they tattoo the ink so lightly that it doesn't become permanent - that somehow it's only embedded in a temporary layer of skin that will wash it away. This is also impossible. There are 3 main layers of epidermis - most tattoos go into the second layer. But if you only go into the first layer (which would require surgical if not magical precision) the ink may very well fade - but not evenly and not completely. What you'd be left with is a really crappy half-tattoo with splotches of ink here and there. Klicks Tattoo quotes an article from The Times where Dr. Arthur Morris, a plastic surgeon, says, "A tattoo only lasts if it goes into the dermis [the layer of cells below the epidermis]. In other words, there is no possible middle ground." In the same article, Lal Hardy, a secretery for the A.P.T., is quoted as saying, "Professional tattoo studios won't go near these so-called temporary tattoos. It is hairdressers and market stalls who are doing them. The people doing it may even believe the tattoos are temporary, but those getting them are guinea pigs."So, basically, this is nothing but a scam. Stick-on tattoos are temporary (3-7 days) and henna art is temporary (2-4 weeks) and tattoos are permanent. Those are the only real choices you have. If you are not prepared to keep your tattoo for the rest of your life, you'd be best off not to get one at all.

I've been reading up on this temporary SMP procedure and I guess I just cannot understand why someone would pay so much money for "results" that will disappear in 18-24 months. The word solution implies a permanent fix to a problem, but if the hair loss "solution" is only temporary, I would define this temporary SMP as a very temporary improvement. I understand that the needle is only inserted into the epidermal layer, but if a man has this procedure done every 18 months, couldn't there be some scarring and long-term scalp/skin issues. I know that a person is not supposed to undergo repeated tattoo procedures over the same area for these reasons.

LOL yes I know what you mean mate, I hate guys with thick full heads of hair!Good luck with the consultation, I hope all goes well with whichever clinic you decide upon. I know what you mean about the money. I had to save up for quite a while. SMP is not cheap unfortunately.

Hey there Scar5, and thank you for your reply. Yes mate you are right on the button about the cellular migration, but that happens over time. Like over 15-20 years. I was just referring to the migration that can occur after a tattoo procedure (usually in cases of women and permanent eye makeup) but it seems that some clinics out there are using it as a scare tactic. That's all I meant for it. I have read some of your posts, and they are really great and informative! You have had quite a journey. I havent read all of the threads yet but I will try to read as much as I can. We all just have our own journey I suppose. What works for me, may not work for you and vice versa. I didn't mean to plug those clinics on my previous post. If I broke a forum rule I appologize to the moderators. Those are simply the clinics in the US that I learned to produce good work, but I am sure there are dozens more that are just as good or better than the ones I mentioned. If anyone knows of any other good smp clinics please share them (assuming that is allowed). Yes Ive looked into Bella Medical a couple of years ago and exchanged emails with Milena. I am well aware of her temporary method. She has taught this method to Dr. Shapiro in Minneapolis. Her results look amazing! For me though, I simply cannot afford the travel and upkeep expenses. If youd ever like to look at my scalp pics I would love your opinion on what I should do as far as enhancing. I know that you know your stuff and have done your homework. I am just not quite sure what to do moving forward. Maybe FUE? IDK:confused:

There is a lot of spin these Hair Replication Tattoo Clinics are giving you. Pigments can only be made out of certain things and in certain ways. Certain things - there are your organic and inorganic and also the iron oxides and certain ways - mixing them with certain vehicles which are water glycerin and alcohol which are combined in many ways by many different manufactures. I seen some crazy claims from these companies, but I promise you that there are no magic tattoo inks made especially for the scalp. That' ridiculous! Some blacks due turn a bit blue (never seen green) and many don't...but all colors will fade eventually in the sun. That is a law of nature. COSMETIC AND TATTOO PIGMENTS do not spread - the inks make from pen ink, soot or dirt can and might "migrate" or spread Those types of "inks" were used in the olden days and in jails. Pigment Migration occurs when ink enters a blood vessel, and these cases are rare and usually pertain to women having permanent makeup near the eye region where there are many blood vessels. As far as the needles and equipment go, traditional tattoo artists have the same equipment and needles as an SMP clinic. All that the artist needs is a machine capable of 100-180 punctures per second. The reason these SMP clinics are getting thousands for this procedure, instead of the several hundred dollars you would pay a traditional tattoo artist for the same job, is because tattooing dots on men's heads are all they do, so people assume that it must take a special skill to perform this procedure. Then they use scare tactics, and photoshop blue-spotted scalp pics and say that "this is what happens if you don't come to us." As far as insertion depth, it is a fact that to make the pigment permanent it must be injected into the dermal layer. Any clinic that claims they only go into the epidermal layer is either lying or their tattoo will fade quickly. SMP tattoos and Traditional Tattoos inject ink 1-2mm into the scalp. Any deeper and you will have excess bleeding; any shallower and the tattoo will exfoliate with epidermal shedding. I've had a procedure at one of the US clinics that left me unsatisfied, and I am planning to go to a tattoo artist, who is a friend of mine, to fill in some areas that faded. I will definitely report back with pics and let you all know what the price was vs the SMP clinic price.

No worries Mate! You are actually quite lucky to have such thick remaining hair. Because you have so much hair, I definitely think you could grow it longer than guys like me who do not have near as much hair up there. As far as the hairline, SMP clinics usually want to recreate the hairline. My hairline that was recreated by SMP tattoo, looks so real that I honestly cannot distinguish between my stubble and the replicated tattoo follicles. I do not think anyone will notice in your case, especially with so much real hair behind it. Have you consulted with any clinics yet?

FUEOnly- As far as the USA goes, I would try one of 3 clinics- 1)NHI- amazing experience with Hair Restoration and if you are an FUE + SMP client, I would recommend going to these guys b/c Dr. Pak and Rassman understand how to tattoo scar tissue. I've seen a couple of their clients personally and results are very impressive. 2) HIS hair Clinic- Can't go wrong with these guys, Great experience and results. They have been doing SMP for over 10 years and are really committed to client satisfaction. I havent seen results in person but their forum pics look great. Id recommend these guys for clients who are simply balding, not for clients with FUE or HT scars. 3) Good Look Ink- great professional business with great results. I have seen GLI's results personally also, and theyre very impressive as well. They do a good job on HT scar camo also, but I'd still recommend a place like NHI for scars. PS: check out Ron Shapiro Medical group in Minneapolis, I believe he may be offering SMP now. MarkVincent89- You are, in my humble opinion, a great candidate for SMP. You have a good deal of remaining hair and this natural density would provide you the liberty to grow your hair longer than someone like me, who has mostly thinning hair on top. Your only potential challenge would be your temple areas, which seem to have less hair. When you grow your hair longer, light hits your naturally growing hair and there is a contrast between scalp and hair. Whether you have tattooed dots on your scalp or not, hair next to scalp equals balding. Dots are trumped by hair- THis is a fact! Too many guys go into this procedure (I was one) believing that they can grow their hair to an 1/8" or 1/4" or more and the smp will cause the bald areas to match, but this just isn't so. I have said it before and I'll say it again- Dots and Hair don't match. Dots and Stubble match, and that is the intention of SMP, to match stubble. SMP was meant for a shaved head b/c the dots are meant to match the tips of stubble. When you use a concealer like Dermatch to conceal a bald spot with longer hair, do you take a pencil and dot on the makeup or do you put a sheet of it over the area? You put a put a layer of it on. SMP is not a permanent Dermatch! Now there is a procedure for women, in which the SMP technician performs what they call a blanket method in which he/she tattoos the entire bald area- one thick layer. The intention of this method is to hide the scalp and decrease contrast between scalp and hair when light hits the scalp. But this is far different than tattooing dots. If you are serious about having SMP I would recommend you call some clinics and consult with them (if you haven't already). If you are able to visit in person that is the best option b/c then you can see in person their body of work. There is just a lot of misinformation on the web, and you need to find your own answers. For Example: If I didnt know for myself, I would think SMP hurts very badly from reading some of these threads. LOL SMP does not hurt! I am no tough guy, I hate going to the Dentist, but SMP was a walk in the park, and several other guys I know who have had SMP say the same thing. So My best advicefor anyone interested in Hair Replication Tattoos is to learn what you can from these threads, but read with a FILTER, and try to find the real info yourself as opposed to taking stranger's word for it.

Scar, thanks for the advise and for sharing your experience. I have never grown my hair for longer than 2 1/2 weeks w/ smp, so I can't really speak on what it would be like to have 1 or 2 months of growth with smp. Maybe I will try and see, but that "ugly Duckling" stage really is not fun. Yea I have worried that too thick of a coat of smp dots may be a mistake, especially in an area with so little hair coverage. I'm still on the fence about it but I may gradually add pigment, IDK :confused:. Also, congrats Scar5 on being cured and for finding an smp + fue look as well as hair length that works for you. That's what we all strive for I suppose- Self Acceptance . PS: I'm currently researching Permanent Makeup & Standard Tattoo Process and Results- versus- SMP tattoo clinic process and results. I may have found and easier, cheaper way to have smp done but wont know for sure until I try.

I've had SMP now for about a year and a half, and I have wrestled with this issue quite a bit. My findings are that the SMP shows up much better when shaved as close as possible- with either a zero guard or 1/16 guard. The problem with going with a one or two guard length is that SMP is dots, it is not a camoflage coat like toppik or Dermatch. Dots do not blend with hair, but they do blend with stubble. If you have a very thick/dense coat of ink I believe you can grow your hair to a 2 guard length, but then you are faced with the long-term issue of having a blanket of ink on your head, and if you lose more hair it would look kind of funny and artificial. I have very thin hair on my crown, so if I do not shave my head for a couple of days, that is the area that begins to stand out first and I appear balding again. I am thinking of going back to the clinic and having another go at it and put as much "ink density" on my scalp as possible. I feel that if you still have thin hair coverage on your scalp, and have your hairloss under control with meds, more ink is better because you need a strong color base to compensate for the bald areas. I am looking to have another session very soon, and I will definitely report back with details.

I had an SMP procedure done over 18 months ago. I have thinning hair on the frontal portion of my scalp, very thin coverage on my crown, but also I still have very thick growing strips of hair on the top/sides of my scalp and these two areas are always darker than the tattooed dots on the rest of my scalp. Even if I shave with a zero guard to clip the thicker hair as low as possible, it still gives the slight appearance of balding b/c my remaining thicker hair always looks thicker/darker. I have very fair skin and very dark hair and I believe this to be a factor. At this point I think I need to add SMP density. I am leaning towards just having the thin areas of my scalp shaded with ink instead of more dots. If I keep adding dots it'll just be one blanket anyway. Does anyone have any knowledge or advice on this matter?

Hey Guys, I am new to the forum. This is a really good topic and one that I can relate to personally. I havent undergone HT surgery so maybe my comments arent as relevant but I had an SMP procedure done about 1&1/2 years ago (not NHI but a different company) and my hopes were that I could keep my head buzzed at a 2 or even 1 guard, but no such luck I have to shave my head at a zero for it all to match and not look balding. My crown has very thin coverage, so that is the area that begins to stand out first if I grow it for a few days. Don't get me wrong, I really like the SMP improvement, but I am beginning to believe that I need to add ink density to pull off anything longer than a Zero clipper shave. Does anyone have an opinion about the added density of ink? Also, Ive read on a couple of threads that SMP hurts, but I had hours of it with no Anesthesia and it did not bother me very much at all. I am no tough guy by any means and I have never thought myself to have a high pain threshold, but the fact that a few have said how painful it was makes me wonder if the insertion depth of pigment was deeper than mine. IDK. I know that fading will be an issue at some point so what I'm trying to do now is learn as much about SMP as I can and find a cheap, convenient option in getting enhancements.